MAMMOTH WVH: Mammoth Ii (HARD ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

With "Mammoth WVH", Wolfgang Van Halen proved to himself that he was capable of stepping out of his father's invasive shadow to assert himself as a musician. If this first album was a revelation for many of us, its success was a surprise in the first place for its creator... and one hell of a confidence boost. This confidence, gained purely on the strength of his talent, enabled him to unleash his impressive songwriting potential and concentrate on recording this second album. The result is unmistakable. Not only is "Mammoth WVH II" even better than its predecessor, it also ticks all the boxes to elevate Wolfgang to the rank of international hard rock's finest hope.

Mammoth WVH is not only gifted at composing anthems with catchy choruses ('Right?', 'Like A Pastime', 'Take A Bow', 'Waiting'), he's equally gifted at playing all the instruments brilliantly. An all-rounder of genius, as at ease behind the drums as with a guitar in hand, he impresses with his mastery, his sense of effective solo ('Another Celebration At The End Of The World', 'I'm Alright'), by his powerful, warm voice and by the ease with which he borrows from the different eras of hard and heavy rock to create his own universe, that of a child lulled by the sounds of the 90s who intends to prove to his generation that it's still possible to move crowds by playing rock.

Constantly on the borderline between rock and so-called alternative metal, Mammoth WVH follows in the footsteps of Alter Bridge and Tremonti, with whom he has often played. "Mammoth WVH II", heavier than its predecessor, is a powerful, highly melodic and particularly addictive album. It's the kind of album you can listen to over and over again and tell yourself that, even if it's proven that talent isn't passed down through the genes, the Van Halens are one of the exceptions that proves the rule.

This second attempt by WVH is fully transformed and, let's hope, should bring it well-deserved international recognition. In France, this is well underway, since Mammoth WVH opened for Metallica at the Stade de France. But whatever happens, it's impossible to resist the infectious pleasure with which Wolfgang plays and composes his music. "Mammoth WVH II" is one of those albums that instantly makes you feel good. What more could you ask for, apart from a third album, quickly? - Official website

MAMMOTH WVH

MAMMOTH II

AUTRE LABEL

HARD ROCK